Garrett-Evangelical News

EVANSTON, Illinois, July 2014 – Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is among the first to offer all six United Methodist studies courses mandated by the Book of Discipline in an online format. Required for ordination or one of the ministry certifications in The United Methodist Church, these six courses explore topics critical to the contemporary church through a variety of perspectives and voices, and equip students for congregational leadership in the 21st century.

The courses are designed and taught by the Seminary’s core United Methodist faculty members, including senior faculty members in the fields of United Methodist studies, evangelism, liturgy, theology and mission, and church leadership. Through these online courses, students will receive individual attention, be stretched theologically, and exposed to new models of ministry. Combining the convenience of online education with rigorous academic engagement, these classes set the hallmark of United Methodist studies in an online format.

"Garrett-Evangelical is committed to supporting a full compliment of Wesleyan and Methodist scholars in the areas of history, doctrine, and polity, as well as evangelism, missiology, and worship,” said Dr. Barry Bryant, associate professor of United Methodist and Wesleyan studies at Garrett-Evangelical. “These courses are taught by core faculty members who are in constant interdisciplinary dialogue and mutual support. Students at Garrett-Evangelical benefit greatly from this approach. The end result is the creation of a vital Wesleyan/Methodist ethos available to students near and far, on campus and now in the digital world.”

Starting in the 2014-2015 academic year, Garrett-Evangelical will offer United Methodist Doctrine, United Methodist History, and United Methodist Polity in the fall and spring semesters of each year. United Methodist Worship, Theology of Evangelism, and Introduction to Global Christianity will be offered once every other academic year.

Garrett-Evangelical continuously implements new and emerging technologies to reach out to as many people as possible and to prepare spiritual leaders in every stage of their lives and ministries. While we honor the traditional methods of instruction and rich heritage of academia we also embrace non-traditional methods such as online learning and hybrid classes.

Founded in 1853, Garrett-Evangelical is a graduate school of theology related to The United Methodist Church with an ecumenical outreach. Faithfully embracing the future, we are committed to preparing skilled, bold and articulate leaders for ministry in the 21st century. Located on the campus of Northwestern University, the seminary serves more than 500 students from many denominations and various backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction. Its 4,500 living alumni serve church and society around the world.